Empire88 was founded in 2017 with a singular focus: to create an online gaming experience that felt native to Malaysian players — not a generic international product retrofitted with an RM currency option. From the very first build, the team integrated the payment methods Malaysians actually use, the sports markets they follow most passionately, and customer support in the languages they speak at home.
The name "Empire88" carries deliberate weight. "Empire" speaks to ambition, prestige, and a platform built to last — not a flash-in-the-pan operation. "88" holds cultural significance across Malaysian Chinese communities as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Together, the name represents what we set out to deliver: a premium, lucky platform where Malaysian players feel genuinely at home.
In our early years, we focused entirely on slots and live dealer games, partnering with licensed international game studios to deliver high-RTP titles that Malaysian players trust. By 2019, we had expanded our sports betting vertical, adding comprehensive coverage of Liga Super Malaysia, the English Premier League, and major international tournaments including the World Cup and UFC events. Our in-play betting desk quickly became one of the most-used features on the platform, particularly during live football broadcasts.
The 2020s brought new challenges and accelerated growth in equal measure. We invested heavily in mobile optimisation, recognising that the majority of Malaysian users access online platforms through their smartphones. Today, Empire88 runs flawlessly on Android and iOS without requiring an app download — a deliberate design choice that removes friction and keeps the experience fast. We also deepened our MYR payment infrastructure, integrating DuitNow, FPX, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and multiple Malaysian bank direct transfers including Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, and Hong Leong Bank.
In 2024, we launched our VIP Loyalty Programme — a tiered system rewarding consistent players with cashback, priority withdrawals, higher deposit limits, and dedicated account managers. The programme was designed in direct response to player feedback gathered over years of listening to the community. It reflects our belief that the players who invest their time and trust in Empire88 deserve to be treated accordingly.